Drip irrigation system, as the name suggests, is an irrigation system made by drip method. It is the process of dropping the water transmitted through the hose to the plant root in drops. Thanks to drip irrigation, the plant is irrigated by minimizing the loss of nutritional values contained in the water. The importance of the drip irrigation system has been increasing day by day since humanity’s transition to modern agriculture. Thanks to this irrigation system method, the efficiency of the plants increases. The drip irrigation system can work much more efficiently by integrating with automatic irrigation systems.
Benefits of Drip Irrigation System
• Since water drops are delivered directly to the plant roots, a large amount of water is saved.
• Thanks to the drip irrigation system, nutrients given to plants such as fertilizers and pesticides can be used more effectively.
• It ensures more homogeneous watering of the plants in the field.
• It requires less energy and labor compared to manual irrigation systems.
• Thanks to drip irrigation, soil erosion is reduced and the soil does not lose its fertility.
Things to Consider When Drip Irrigation
A drip irrigation program should be created taking into account the type of plants, their growth rate and climatic conditions. The system needs to be maintained regularly. The moisture level and dryness of the soil should be checked regularly. Before installing a drip irrigation system, conditions such as water quality and pressure should be inspected and taken into consideration. Water values should be taken into consideration and filter systems should be used if necessary.
Excessive wetting of the soil surface and root part should be prevented. Giving too much water will drown the plant, the water level should be kept under control. For the drip irrigation system to work properly, appropriate water pressure must be maintained. High pressure should be avoided, it damages the high pressure system. Installation should be done by calculating the drainage system. In case of excessive irrigation, a drainage system is needed to drain the accumulated water. Installation should be done considering the slope level of the region where the system will be installed. Efficiency decreases when the slope and the direction of water flow are opposite.
Parts That Make Up the Drip Irrigation System
Ventilation Pipe: It is the main source of irrigation water. It is also referred to as the main pipe.
Drip Heads: These are small pipe heads that allow the water from the main pipe to fall on the plants.
Fertigation System: It is the system that adds liquid fertilizer, microelements or other nutrients to irrigation water.
Soil Moisture Sensors: Thanks to sensors, it allows automatic adjustment of the irrigation program and regulation of irrigation according to plant needs.
Control Valves: These are the valves that allow the irrigation program to be controlled.
Pressure Regulator: A valve or regulator that maintains water pressure at a constant level.
Drip Lines: These are the pipes or hose lines to which the drippers are connected.
